Northgate Link Station: A Masterpiece of Engineering and Innovation

Riding the first train with Don Davis, Lacey Mehlert, and the entire Sound Transit team was a truly unforgettable experience. After working with the Project Team for over a decade, it's been a tremendous honor to see this ambitious project come to life.

Located in an area characterized by dense urban neighborhoods and complex subsurface conditions, the Northgate Link Extension Light Rail project presented numerous challenges for engineers and construction teams. To overcome these obstacles, the project involved optimizing the location and alignment of underground elements, utilizing advanced excavation techniques, and incorporating cutting-edge tunnel boring technology.

The result is a 4.3-mile-long double-track light rail system that connects Sound Transit's University Link segment to the bustling Northgate business and retail center. This new link also forms part of a larger network connecting four major urban centers to the existing Central Link, extending from downtown Seattle to SeaTac airport. The project's innovative design features two underground transit stations (U District and Roosevelt), one elevated station at Northgate, a portal structure, and 23 cross passages.

To ensure the structural integrity and sustainability of the tunnels, precast segments were used for tunnel construction. In addition, the project incorporated retained cut fills and elevated structures spanning over 8 miles. The twin bored soft-ground tunnels are an impressive feat in their own right, measuring 3.5 miles in length.

The Northgate Link Extension Light Rail project not only showcases innovative engineering and design but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By increasing light rail ridership, improving travel time, and adding transit capacity to the congested Interstate-5 corridor, this project aims to make a positive impact on the community it serves.

As proud sponsors of the Northgate Link Extension Light Rail project, McMillen Jacobs Associates is thrilled to have played a key role in its development. Our multidisciplinary team of experts specializes in underground and water resources projects, and we're honored to have contributed our skills and expertise to this groundbreaking endeavor. With its successful completion under budget and ahead of schedule, the Northgate Link Extension Light Rail project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative thinking in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure.

Northgate link station